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The Nekkerhal erupted on Tuesday afternoon as Gilles Thomas claimed victory in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, presented by BMW. Belgian supporters created an electric atmosphere, celebrating a home win that came after a jump-off filled with tension, doubt, bold decisions and raw emotion. For Thomas himself, it was a whirlwind of feelings, disappointment after a mistake, followed by the sudden realisation that the win was his.

After a thrilling season across some of the world’s most iconic indoor venues, the FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy 2025 reached its conclusion at Jumping Mechelen.

The final class of the FEI Dressage World Cup at Jumping Mechelen once again carried a strong Belgian flavour. In a sold-out Nekkerhal, Larissa Pauluis confirmed her outstanding form by adding the Grand Prix Freestyle to her earlier Grand Prix win.

The CSIW5* KBC Bank & Verzekering turned into a class where speed made the difference. The jump-off offered plenty of opportunities to build up pace along the long lines, and those who dared to really go for it were able to make the difference.

On day three of Jumping Mechelen 2025, there was an early sense of anticipation in the Nekkerhal. Dressage fans were treated to a morning of quality sport as the FEI Dressage World Cup presented by De Baian got underway at 8.00 am. Belgium made its mark straight away, with Larissa Pauluis claiming victory and several strong performances from home riders.

The Flemish horse sector turns out to be far more important to the economy than is often assumed. That is the main conclusion of a new study by Professor Stijn Vanormelingen (KU Leuven), commissioned by Paardenpunt Vlaanderen and presented today at Jumping Mechelen. At the same time, the research highlights a less comfortable reality: behind the impressive turnover figures lies a sector in which many businesses are facing financial difficulties.

The final of the loose jumping competition for 2-year-old horses at Jumping Mechelen delivered an exceptionally high-quality field. The clear winner was Adora Van ’t Ruytershof, a mare by Cavalier Russe Z x Bamako de Muze.

Expectations were high, and the jumping team delivered in full. At the European Jumping Championship in A Coruña, the Belgian riders claimed the European title.
After gold in 2019 and bronze in 2021, they were back on top again. This time with authority and flair, finishing ahead of Olympic champions Great Britain and powerhouse Germany.

Saturday evening delivered top-level sport in the Christmas Arena at Jumping Mechelen with the CSIW5* BMW Masters. Ten combinations lined up for a challenging class that started at 1.50m and built steadily round by round. A format that gradually reduced the field as the pressure increased.

Day two of Jumping Mechelen was almost entirely devoted to breeding. The clear highlight of the day was the Léon Melchior Open Sires of the World, presented by Zangersheide, a class that once again underlined the importance of top-level stallions in the sport.
A total of 28 riders came forward with stallions aged eight and older. Eight combinations made it through to the jump-off, including three Belgian riders. The standard was exceptionally high, and the tension in the arena matched it every step of the way.